I was writing at about 2 in the morning the other night when I came up with this. It's unpolished and needs a bit more direction, but I was thinking of introducing it into Labyrinthine Ways as a prologue, with it taking place around six months before the story proper starts, and with it hopefully giving some definition to characters. It's unfinished, obviously, but if people could give me a little feedback that would be more than useful.
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The young man struck a lone figure as he made his way up the cliffside path, leaving the clutch of oil lamps of the streets behind him as he ascended the craggy rock path, long strides making short word of the steep incline, turning a corner so the harbour beneath was out of sight.
Night was falling, the narrow path being cast into long shadows by the boiling orb of the sun as it sank beneath the western horizon, unbearable incandescent white turning to an expanding ball of orange. Darkness had already fallen in the harbour, which was shielded from the sun by the cliffs, their long shadows stretching out to sea like a colossal hand extending its reach over a table of cards.
Hummd Greig made the last few steps to the top of the cliff and looked around, brushing one of his long brown-black strands of hair from his eyes. He was tall, with an elegant, easy demeanour and a confidence in the set of his shoulders that bordered on youthful arrogance. One hand rested easily on the handle of a knife, ready to bring it to his defence whilst seeming completely at ease in his surroundings, not betraying any nervousness he may have possessed. With a smile, he continued to walk towards a second, smaller, figure.
She was stood near the edge of the cliff, her back to Hummd as she gazed over the ocean, the angry reflection of the sun appearing to cast a thousand flames in the peaks and troughs of the waves. She had folded her arms, and seemed to be ignoring her auburn hair as it whipped around in the breeze atop the cliff, standing sentinel-like until Hummd walked up to her, arms wide to receive a hug in greeting. Only then did she turn, her young face thunderous as she raised a single open hand and slapped Hummd hard around the face.
"Damn it, Rachel, I was only trying to be friendly."
Rachel turned back away, her face streaked by tears. "Be friendly to someone who wants it, Hummd."
"What have I done?"
"What have you done?" Rachel echoed, incredulity in every syllable. She turned again, recrossing her arms as Hummd took a wary step out of her reach. "Hummd, what haven't you done?"
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